my Box Tops University experience

On Mon., April 2nd, and Wed., April 4th, My Mom (Pat Martina) and I were able to join with over 300 Box Tops For Education Coordinators from the Chicagoland area for 2 Box Tops University sessions. The first session was at the Doubletree Hotel in Alsip, IL and the second one was at Hilton Indian Lakes Resort in Bloomingdale, IL. I was asked to lead a breakout session about PR/News Media at both events. My article in the NW Herald was a bit hit with everyone. If you haven't seen it yet, you can view it at: http://www.nwherald.com/2012/03/22/on-the-record-with-anitra-willis/a11sqa6/?page=1

In total, my Mom and I earned 1,200 Bonus Box Tops for attending these sessions along with posters, bags, and many giveaways to use for contests at Leggee!

Here are some interesting facts that I learned there: 

• America's schools have earned more that $445 million through Box Tops for Education since the start of the program in 1996.
• More than 90,000 K-8 schools are enrolled in the program and Illinois has 2,341 actively participating schools
• There are more than 240 Box Tops for Education brands including General Mills, Betty Crocker, Land O’ Lakes, Old El Paso, Hanes, Ziploc, Hefty, Pillsbury, Juicy Juice, Avery, Kleenex, Brita, and Boise
• There are more than 70,000 coordinators involved in the program 
• The Box Tops for Education Facebook Page has over 800,000 fans

General Mills employees flew down from Minneapolis, MN to instruct both sessions. They covered EVERYTHING you need to know about the Box Tops for Education program! 

Here's a quick recap:  

- Wal-Mart will be going live this summer for online earning at their website: www.earnmoreformyschool.com

- Jewel-Osco's Growing Local Learning will be offering more Bonus Box Top earning opportunities throughout the year. Instead of receiving a 25 and 10 Bonus slip at checkout, you will now only receive a 15 and 10. :(

Here are some additions to our Box Tops brands:
- Juicy Juice Fruitfuls- Betty Crocker Frozen Sides- Land 'O Lakes Olive Oil/Sea Salt sticks of butter- ALL Green Giant veggies will have Box Tops on them starting in May- Green Giant Fresh will be adding Baby Cut Carrots, Asparagus, Citrus, Corn, Mushrooms and Raisins- Hanes socks, undershirts and underwear for boys and girls- Ziploc Perfect Portion Bags (for freezing bulk chicken and beef) and their Duo Bags (they are a combination of the snack and sandwich bags in one box. And yes you still get two Box Tops with the purchase of the Duo Bags) 

I received so many great ideas to make our Box Tops program even better! I am looking forward to going to their National Box Tops University June 14-15 in Minneapolis, MN.

Thanks to everyone who participates and helps with their Box Tops program! By the way, did you know that Leggee Elementary is ranked #12 in IL and earned $6,746.60 for the 2011-2012 school. Pretty amazing considering each little Box Top is worth 10 cents. It all adds up!

- Anitra Willis